Breaking News: Angels acquire Josh Rutledge

The Angels have been extremely busy on this Wednesday night. Earlier in the evening, the Halos shipped star second baseman, Howie Kendrick, to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for top prospect, Andrew Heaney. Moments later, the Angels acquired middle infielder, Josh Rutledge, from the Colorado Rockies sending relief pitcher, Jairo Diaz, to the Rockies.

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Both deals seemingly came out of nowhere. General manager, Jerry Dipoto, had previously suggested the Kendrick would remain with the Angels in 2015. However, the appeal of a young talented southpaw like Heaney was apparently too much for Dipoto to pass up. The Angels were linked to, Josh Rutledge, earlier in the week, but there were no indications anything was imminent. The Halos may have found Kendrick’s replacement at second base in Rutledge.

Josh Rutledge brings an intriguing set of tools with him to Anaheim. The former third round pick has seen time at both shortstop and second base during the last three seasons in Denver, however it is clear the second base is his best spot defensively. Rutledge did some nice things last season with the Rockies, batting .269 with 4 home runs and driving in 33 runs. The 25-year-old posted an impressive .328 on base percentage in 2014. Rutledge has a nice combination of above average speed with some decent pop in his bat. Rutledge possesses plenty of potential for the Angels to cultivate in 2015.

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Jairo Diaz is actually a pretty nice return for the Rockies. The 23-year-old reliever made his debut with the Halos last September, and flashed some potential. Diaz went 0-0 and posted an ERA of 3.28 in 5.1 innings of work. Diaz has the ability to rack of the strikeouts, as he tallied eight punch-outs in just over five innings of work. Diaz will likely get a shot to earn spot in the Rockies bullpen in 2015.

Josh Rutledge figures to compete with, Grant Green, for the starting job at second base next spring in Tempe. I think Green has a slight edge, but it really is a tool up at this point. The Angels now have multiple options to fill Howie Kendrick’s ample shoes, and they may not be finished searching for a replacement.

Check back with Halo Hangout tomorrow for more coverage of tonight’s massive moves!